3 Essential Strategies for IELTS Writing Tasks 1 & 2
You have read the textbooks and memorized the vocabulary, but are you studying smart?
Whether you are taking the IELTS Academic or General Training test, the Writing module is often the most stressful section. You have one hour to complete two distinct tasks, and the pressure can lead to silly mistakes.
We have boiled down the path to success into 3 Essential Strategies. Learning these fundamentals will not only lower your anxiety but also significantly boost your writing performance.
1. Time Management (The 20/40 Rule)
We have emphasized it before, but it is worth repeating: Time is your enemy in the IELTS test.
You have 60 minutes total. The biggest mistake students make is spending too long on Task 1, leaving them with only 30 minutes for the essay (Task 2).
The Golden Strategy:
- Task 1 (20 Minutes): Stick strictly to this limit. Task 1 is worth only 33% of your total writing score.
- Task 2 (40 Minutes): This task is worth 66% of your score. It requires more complex argumentation and structure.
Pro Tip: Know Your Handwriting. Do not waste time counting every single word during the exam.
- Practice at home: Count how many words you typically write per line (e.g., 10 words).
- Calculate visually: If you write 10 words per line, you need roughly 15 lines for Task 1 (150 words) and 25 lines for Task 2 (250 words).
- Note: Writing under the word count (less than 150/250) will result in a penalty. Writing significantly over is fine, but manage your time!
2. The Blueprint: Plan Before You Write
It is tempting to look at the question and start writing immediately to “save time.” Do not do this.
Writing without a plan is like building a house without a blueprint. You will likely get halfway through, realize you have drifted off-topic, and have to start again which is a disaster for your timing.
How to Spend the First 2-5 Minutes:
- Analyze the The Question Statement: Underline the key words. What exactly is it asking?
- Brainstorm: Scribble down 2 or 3 main ideas.
- Structure: Decide quickly: Paragraph 1 is Intro, Paragraph 2 is Idea A, Paragraph 3 is Idea B, Paragraph 4 is Conclusion.
A solid plan keeps your response organized, coherent, and ensures you include all necessary details.
3. The “Quality Control” Check
Never write until the very last second. Aim to finish writing 2 or 3 minutes before the timer stops.
Use those final minutes to review your answer with a critical eye. Do not just read it; check for these specific things:
- Task Response: Did you actually answer the specific question asked? (e.g., Did you discuss both views, or just one?)
- Grammar & Spelling: Look for common errors like subject-verb agreement (“He go” vs “He goes”) or missing articles (“a/the”).
- Punctuation: Did you use commas and full stops correctly?
💬 Join the Conversation
These are our top three foundational tips, but we know every student has their own unique way of studying.
What is your #1 struggle with IELTS Writing?
Is it generating ideas? Is it finishing on time? Or is it grammar?
Share your own tips and questions in the comments below!